Cornell University President, Professor Michael Kotlikoff, has rejected a resolution from the student council, passed on March 12, which called for the university to cease its collaboration with the Haifa-based Technion, while maintaining the Cornell Tech campus in New York City.

Kotlikoff explained his decision by stating that this initiative “fundamentally contradicts the principles of academic collaboration” and undermines the university’s core values related to academic freedom. In his response, he emphasized that Cornell Tech is not a political project, but rather a collaborative academic partnership established by Cornell and Technion with the support of the city of New York.

The university president also highlighted that the demand to sever ties with Technion for political reasons undermines academic freedom, and the attempt to selectively boycott this particular institution causes him “deep concern.”

Kotlikoff reminded that Cornell actively collaborates with 159 international institutions in 59 countries, including nations that also face human rights criticisms.

Additionally, he pointed out the unrealistic and legally untenable nature of the student council’s proposal, noting that Cornell is not able to unilaterally terminate its partnership with Technion while simultaneously maintaining the management of Cornell Tech in its current format.